The effect of Counseling using the PLISSIT Model on Sexual Function of Pregnant Women

Background and Objectives: The sexual function of pregnant women might be affected by multiple changes during pregnancy e.g. biological, psychological and sociological changes. This study was conducted to determine the effect of counseling using the PLISSIT (Permission-limited Information-Specific Suggestion-Intensive Therapy) Model on Sexual Function of Pregnant Women. Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 60 pregnant women who were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. The intervention group were counseled using the PLISSIT model, and the control group received routine sexual consultation. Data was collected using demographic, obstetric, and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaires. Sexual function scores were assessed before, two and four weeks after intervention. Data was analyzed using T-tests, x2, Mann Whitney, and Wilcoxon tests. Results: The mean scores of sexual function in intervention groups were changed significantly from 24.76&plusmn;4.36 before intervention, to 27.98&plusmn;4.24 two weeks (p=0.001) and 28.12&plusmn;4.50 four weeks after (p<0.001) intervention. No significant difference was found among the mean scores of sexual function before intervention (25.13&plusmn;4.05), two (25.03&plusmn;4/32) and four weeks (23.79&plusmn;5.05) after consultation in control group. Although, there was no significant difference in mean score of sexual function between control and intervention groups before the intervention (p=0.796), a significant difference was revealed between two groups in two (p=0.004) and four weeks (p<0.001) after intervention. Conclusion: Using PLISSIT model for sexual counseling could improve sexual function of pregnant women.